IKEA Singapore is known for more than just furniture; it’s a destination for delectable dishes that surprise even the most seasoned visitors. While some shoppers flock for shelving units and storage solutions, others find themselves drawn to the tantalizing offerings at the Swedish Restaurant.
One staple that’s hard to miss is the crispy chicken wings, a favorite alongside the classic meatballs and salmon. According to Aeson Ong, IKEA Singapore’s Food Manager, the secret to these wings lies in their freshness and simplicity. The wings come from chickens aged at least 40 days, and their magic lies in being served hot and freshly marinated.
Ong’s role encompasses everything from menu design to supplier sourcing and quality assurance. He revealed that IKEA Singapore sells a staggering 10 million meatballs annually across its three locations, offering them in various serving sizes to cater to every appetite.
Interestingly, IKEA’s meatballs are intentionally shaped slightly irregularly to emulate homemade versions crafted by Swedish grandmothers. The meatballs here feature a mix of beef and pork from Australia, with a halal option made solely from Malaysian beef.
Ong’s creativity shines in seasonal specials like pork mille-feuille loin fillet with truffle mushroom sauce for Chinese New Year and a caramelized gula melaka cream cake for Hari Raya. New dishes often stem from brainstorming sessions with his team or personal inspiration, like the viral truffle potato croquette, a hit on TikTok.
Despite a background in business and engineering, Ong’s passion for food led him to IKEA. He orchestrates tastings and audits to refine offerings, striving to introduce locally relevant flavors and healthier options in response to evolving preferences.
IKEA’s commitment to healthier fare extends to reducing sodium levels and calories, aligning with health initiatives to promote better eating habits among customers.
However, managing a “meatball wonderland” isn’t without its challenges, particularly the struggle to maintain a healthy weight amidst constant tastings. Yet, for Ong, the joy of innovating in IKEA’s culinary world makes it all worthwhile. So next time you’re at IKEA, consider trying something new—there’s more to savor than meets the eye.
